Actor Larry Hagman will be missed by all

Published 2:51 pm, Tuesday, November 27, 2012

To The Editor,

I was shocked and saddened to read in the news of the death on Nov. 23 of TV actor Larry Hagman, who played in the popular TV shows “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Dallas.”

I watched all the episodes of the original series “Dallas,” which aired on CBS from 1978-91. Growing up in Rose Hill, Kan., and playing trumpet in the school band, I would immediately leave after halftime performances at football/basketball games on Friday nights so I could watch J.R. Ewing. This year I watched all of the episodes in the rebooted “Dallas,” which debuted this year on the TNT cable channel.

Being a long-time “fan,” I drove down to the Cowan Center in Tyler to attend Mr. Hagman’s one-man show, “Confessions!” on Nov. 10, less than two weeks prior to his death, and I was even privileged to ask him a question. Things can change so quickly in life.

Mr. Hagman’s portrayal of infamous oil baron J.R. Ewing spanned the decades, and spanned the generations. I believe it even helped the world see the image of the city of Dallas in a more favorable light after the tragic assassination of President Kennedy marred the city’s reputation. Mr. Hagman agreed.

I even kidded him about my initials being “J.A.,” but that I couldn’t hold a candle to his “J.R.”

His devilish grin and excessively long eyebrows made him a picturesque “villain.” In real life, he was polite and gracious to people. I also suggested that the new updated “Dallas” series have occasional flashback scenes to early episodes featuring his character’s deceased parents, “Jock Ewing” and “Miss Ellie Ewing,” so younger fans could mesh the past with the present. I knew Mr. Hagman had throat cancer, but I didn’t expect his sudden death at age 81. I hope the second season of the re-booted “Dallas” series can continue, but it will be difficult to do so without the storyline involving J.R. Ewing.

Larry Hagman was an old-time quality actor which is seldom seen these days on TV or in movies. He put his heart, soul, smile and flair into his acting.

Larry Hagman and J.R. Ewing will be missed, and never replaced. For a multitude of reasons, Larry Hagman should be named: “Texan Of The Year.”